Hollow chamber panels and the use of hollow chamber panels as floor protection panels and the like

Abstract

A hollow chamber plate (1) has several unidirectionally oriented hollow chambers (2) bounded by hollow chamber walls (3). The hollow chamber plate (1) is prestressed by means of at least one tension element (6) which is guided through openings (5) in the hollow chamber walls (3) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the hollow chambers (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hollow chamber panel with several unidirectionally oriented hollow chambers bounded by hollow chamber walls and to the use of the hollow chamber panel as a floor protection panel.

[0002] Ground protection mats according to the invention serve, for example, on construction sites to protect the subsoil from damage and / or compaction caused by relatively heavy equipment, construction vehicles, and construction site activities. Furthermore, ground protection mats are preferably used with mobile cranes or crane trucks to ensure a secure footing on a surface that can yield under the high, relatively small-area load of crane feet or crane booms. In addition, temporary bridges can also be constructed from ground protection mats.

[0003] Ground protection mats used in practice are often made of wood, steel, aluminum, or plastic. A wooden ground protection mat is often called an excavator mat and is frequently made of hardwood or tropical hardwood, which is relatively moisture-resistant but, as a natural product, exhibits variations in quality and, in particular, mechanical properties. These mats are generally laid loosely next to each other to create a temporary roadway or mobile work platform. Steel plates used to construct a temporary roadway are also called "road plates" and, due to their large dimensions and high weight, can only be transported by specialized vehicles and are usually laid loosely without any special fastening system. The typically lacking surface profiling of the smooth steel plates makes the use of rubber-tired vehicles virtually impossible, especially in wet conditions and on difficult terrain.Aluminum panels often feature a unidirectional profile, which gives the hollow-chamber aluminum panel a slip-resistant / traction-resistant effect. This is an advantage compared to wooden excavator mats and steel construction roads.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating a hollow chamber plate of the type mentioned above that can withstand high stresses while having a relatively low weight.

[0005] According to the invention, the problem is solved by prestressing the hollow chamber plate by means of at least one tension element which is guided through openings in hollow chamber walls perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the hollow chambers.

[0006] The hollow chamber panel, which can also be referred to as a hollow chamber panel system, hollow chamber panel device, hollow chamber mat, or the like, can be made of materials such as aluminum, plastic, or steel. The steel undergoes surface treatment, particularly galvanizing, to make it essentially rust-free. Due to its design using hollow profiles, the hollow chamber panel has a relatively low weight, which is a significant advantage when transporting and handling a large number of panels, compared to conventional ground protection mats, for example, when constructing a temporary access road. Pre-tensioning by means of at least one tension element provides relatively high stability of the hollow chambers or profiles against deformation. The tension elements can be arranged in a common plane, in different planes, or multiple tension elements can be arranged in multiple planes.The openings in the hollow chamber walls can be created, for example, by drilling or punching, whereby the end openings are dimensioned to be large enough to allow, in particular, a fixed anchor and a tension anchor of the tension element and, if necessary, a tool for actuating the tension anchor, so that the fixed anchors and the tension anchors of the mounted tension elements are located within the respective edge hollow chamber and the hollow chamber plate has no interfering elements at the edge.

[0007] To prevent undesired deformation under tensile stress, spacers are inserted between two adjacent hollow chamber walls. Preferably, the spacers are tubular, and the tensile element extends through them. The size of the end faces of the sleeve- or tubular spacers also determines the load-bearing capacity of the ground protection plate in both the transverse and vertical directions.

[0008] In this configuration, the hollow chambers are formed by a central plate that is deformed into multiple U-shaped sections, with a cover plate attached to at least one side. The parallel legs of the U-shape form the walls of the hollow chambers, through which the tensioning elements are guided. Openings for the tensioning elements can be relatively easily created in the central plate. Mounting the spacers is also relatively straightforward without the cover plate. It is advantageous to have a cover plate attached to both sides of the central plate. The outer surfaces of the cover plates can be coated, for example, with corundum to increase friction and provide adequate grip both on the road surface and against the substrate.

[0009] Preferably, the center plate is screwed to the cover plate. The cover plate(s) can be easily screwed to the webs of the center plate, which connect the U-shaped legs, at the bearing points. Alternatively, rivet connections are also possible at this point. This avoids welds and allows for reliable calculation of the structure's load-bearing capacity.

[0010] In an alternative design, the hollow chambers are formed by tubes with a square cross-section. The spacer elements can be inserted into the tubes.

[0011] To increase load-bearing capacity, it is advantageous to attach at least one cover plate to the pipes. It is advisable to screw the pipes to the cover plate.

[0012] After further training, the pulling element is designed as a pulling rod or a pulling rope with tensioning elements at each end.

[0013] To further increase the stiffness of the base plate, several tension elements are arranged in one plane and / or in parallel planes.

[0014] The hollow chamber panel is essentially an orthotropic plate, consisting of at least one hollow profile or correspondingly bent sheets, which are connected by tension elements arranged horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal or main load axis. These tension elements can also be called prestressing tendons. Sleeve-shaped spacers in the profiles along the respective axis of the tension elements or prestressing tendons prevent deformation of the profiles or sheets when they are tensioned and simultaneously significantly increase strength in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The spacers inhibit buckling of the vertically oriented profile or sheet sections, and at the same time, the tensioned spacers act directly as crossbeams, so that when only a single profile or sheet section is loaded, the adjacent profiles or sheet sections also contribute to the load-bearing capacity.

[0015] Several ground protection panels can be connected to each other over a surface area via appropriate openings or structural arrangements.

[0016] The tendons can be designed, for example, as threaded rods, tension strands, or the like.

[0017] One or more interconnected hollow chamber panel systems can be used as ground protection panels, which, in addition to constructing temporary roads, are also used for building temporary bridges or as base plates for cranes or mobile cranes. Furthermore, hollow chamber panels can also be used for constructing building walls or ceilings, as their static properties, in particular, can be reliably determined. In civil engineering, hollow chamber panel systems can be used to create a so-called trench box or trench box, in which struts with threaded spindles are arranged between opposing hollow chamber panel systems.

[0018] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0019] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the associated drawing.

[0020] It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a hollow chamber plate according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the hollow chamber plate according to Fig. 1 with inserted spacer elements, Fig. 3 a representation of the hollow chamber plate according to Fig. 2 without spacers, Fig. 4 a front view of the illustration according to Fig. 2 in alternative configuration, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the hollow chamber plate according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the hollow chamber plate in a second embodiment, Fig. 7 a front view of the illustration according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 an enlarged sectional view of detail VIII according to Fig. 7. Fig. 9 a front view of the hollow chamber plate according to Fig. 1 in a third embodiment, and Fig. 10 an enlarged cross-sectional view of detail X according to Fig. 9.

[0021] The hollow chamber plate 1 comprises several unidirectionally oriented hollow chambers 2, which are bounded by hollow chamber walls 3. The hollow chamber plate 1 is generally made of steel, aluminum, or plastic and has a surface area greater than its thickness. Although a hollow chamber plate 1 will usually be rectangular or square, other geometries such as trapezoids, triangles, or the like are not excluded but are included in the invention.

[0022] After the Fig. To form the hollow chambers 2, pipes 4 with a square cross-section are arranged side by side in sections 1 to 5, the pipe walls of which form the hollow chamber walls 3. Naturally, both square and rectangular cross-sections are possible for the pipes 4. Openings 5, for example, bores or cutouts, are provided in the hollow chamber walls 3. These openings can be aligned in one plane or arranged in several planes, offset from one another. Tension elements 6 are inserted into the openings 5, their longitudinal extension being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow chambers 2. The tension elements 6 can be, in particular, tension rods 16 with threaded ends 15 for screwing on nuts 7 to generate a tensile stress, or tension cables 17, especially wire ropes as shown in the following. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 is shown. Spacer elements 8 are arranged in the hollow chambers 2. These spacer elements can, for example, be tubular with a relatively large end face. The tension elements 6 extend through the spacer elements 8, the length of which is dimensioned such that they bear against the end faces of the hollow chamber walls 3. The openings 5 ​​in the outer walls of the hollow chambers 3 are dimensioned such that a tool, for example, a socket wrench, can be inserted to tighten the nuts 7 located in the outer hollow chambers 2 and apply a tensile stress to the tension element 6. Since the nuts 7 are located inside the outer hollow chambers 2, they do not interfere with the operation and cannot be damaged.

[0023] With the tension elements 6 and the spacer elements 8 arranged centrally at the height of the hollow chambers 2, the floor protection mat 1 can bear an equal load on both sides in the vertical direction. If the tension elements 6 and the spacer elements 8 are arranged off-center, a defined top and bottom surface is created, each with different load-bearing capacities. Further load distributions can be achieved, depending on requirements, by alternating the tension elements 6 and the spacer elements 8 or by arranging them in several parallel planes. Furthermore, at least one cover plate 9 can be placed on the pipes 4 and, in particular, screwed to a pipe wall 10 on the top or bottom. The cover plate 9 can also have a friction-enhancing coating or profile. Of course, at least one cover plate 9 can also be arranged on both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0024] In alternative designs, the Fig. 6 to 8, a central plate 11 with multiple U-shaped bends is provided to form the hollow chambers 2. This central plate has several U-shaped legs 12 that form the hollow chamber walls 3. The U-shaped legs 12 are alternately connected on their upper and lower sides by U-shaped webs 13, so that an overall corrugated profile is formed. At its ends, the central plate 11 has projections 13 for attaching correspondingly angled cover plates 9, which may have a friction-enhancing coating or profile. Openings 5 ​​for the passage of the tension elements 6 are recessed into the U-shaped legs 12. These tension elements are each rod-shaped and have threads 15 at their ends, onto which nuts 7 are screwed to generate a tensile force.Between the U-shaped legs 12, the tubular spacer elements 8, for example, with a relatively large end face, are mounted, and the tension elements 6 extend through the spacer elements 8, the length of which is dimensioned such that they bear against the end faces of the hollow chamber walls 3, i.e., the associated U-shaped legs 12. Naturally, in this embodiment as well, the tension elements 6 with the attached spacer elements 8 can be arranged in one or more planes and / or alternately aligned. The load-bearing capacity of the cover plates 9 is increased by screwing them to the U-shaped webs 13 of the center plate.

[0025] According to the Fig. 9 and Fig.In the figure 10, the tension elements 6 are designed as tension cables 17. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the previously described tension rods 16 with end threads 15 for screwing on nuts 7 to generate a tensile tension can be replaced by tension cables 17 designed, for example, as wire ropes, to which a tensile tension is applied by means of tensioning devices. Each end of the tension cable 17 is fitted with an anchor head 18, which has a bore through which the tension cable 17 is guided. To secure the anchor head 18, at least one clamping wedge 19 is inserted into the bore, which may, for example, be ring-shaped, or, for example, three clamping wedges 19, which are arranged offset from each other by approximately 120°, are driven into the bore to clamp the tension cable 17. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that a firmly pressed-on anchor head 18 can be provided at one end of the tension cable 17.

[0026] Naturally, the spacer elements 8 can have either a round or any other cross-section. The primary concern is the end face and its dimensions to prevent impermissible deformation of the hollow chambers 3. The spacer elements 8 increase the load-bearing capacity of the ground protection plate 1 in both the transverse and vertical directions.

[0027] All individual components, when made of steel, can be treated, for example by galvanizing, to prevent corrosion. Furthermore, the components can be manufactured from high-strength steel. Since there are no welded joints, the manufacturing process is relatively simple and no thermal damage or changes to the steel structure occur.

[0028] Several hollow chamber panels 1 can be connected to one another and used as ground protection panels, such as for construction roads or bridges. The hollow chamber panels 1 can also be spaced apart from each other by supports or struts and used as side walls of a trench box in civil engineering. Naturally, they can also be used under cranes or crane supports / bases for large-area load distribution to prevent the crane from tipping over. Furthermore, the hollow chamber panel systems 1 can be used in the ceilings or walls of buildings or warehouses, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] The hollow chamber plate 1 ideally exhibits orthogonal-anisotropic behavior and replicates the properties of an orthotropic plate. Reference sign 1 Hollow chamber plate device 2 hollow chambers 3 Hollow chamber wall 4 pipe 5 Opening 6 pull element 7 Mother 8 spacer element 9 Cover plate 10 pipe wall 11 Middle plate 12 U-shaped legs 13 U-bridge 14th extension 15 threads 16 Pull rod 17 Pull rope 18 Anchor head 19 clamping wedge

Claims

[1] Hollow chamber plate (1) with several unidirectionally aligned hollow chambers (2) delimited by hollow chamber walls (3), characterized by that the hollow chamber plate (1) is prestressed by means of at least one tension element (6) which is guided through openings (5) in the hollow chamber walls (3) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the hollow chambers (2). [2] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that spacer elements (8) are inserted between two adjacent hollow chamber walls (3). [3] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the spacer elements (8) are tubular and the tension element (6) extends through the spacer elements (8). [4] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the hollow chambers (2) are formed by a multiply U-shaped central plate (11), to which a cover plate (9) is assigned on at least one side. [5] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that a cover plate (9) is assigned to both sides of the middle plate (11). [6] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the middle plate (11) is screwed to the cover plate (9). [7] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the hollow chambers (2) are formed by tubes (1) with a square cross-section. [8] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that at least one cover plate (9) is assigned to the pipes (4). [9] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the pipes (4) are screwed to the cover plate (9). [10] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the tension element (6) is designed as a tension rod (16) or a tension cable (17) with tensioning elements at each end. [11] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the tension rod (16) is provided with a thread (15) on at least one side and the clamping element is designed as a molded head and / or a nut (7) cooperating with the thread (15). [12] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the traction cable (17) carries an anchor head (18) at each end, which is fixed to the traction cable (17) by means of at least one tensioning wedge (19). [13] Hollow chamber plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that several tension elements (6) are arranged in one plane and / or in parallel planes. [14] Arrangement of several hollow chamber panels (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that at least adjacent hollow chamber panel devices (1) can be coupled to one another by means of tension elements (6). [15] Use of at least one hollow chamber plate (1) according to claim 1 as a soil protection plate for the construction of a construction road or bridge and / or as an excavator mattress and / or as a crane support plate and / or as a side wall of a shoring box in civil engineering and / or as a wall element of a building and / or as a ceiling element of a building

Images